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AI/LLM Reviews of Star Trek The Next Generation - Devil's due
Google Gemini
Plot Synopsis
The Enterprise receives a distress call from the
planet Ventax II, where the populace believes
it's about to be claimed by Ardra, a devil-like
figure from their legends. When the crew arrives,
a mysterious woman named Ardra appears, claiming
to be the entity from their prophecies
and demanding that the planet's people fulfill
their contract and turn over the planet.
Captain Picard, ever the skeptic, refuses to
believe Ardra is a genuine supernatural being.
He challenges her to a trial to prove her
identity and her claim to the planet. As the
trial proceeds, Ardra uses what appear to be
supernatural powers to trick and intimidate
the crew, but Data, with his methodical logic,
begins to unravel the mystery. It is revealed
that Ardra is merely a clever con artist
using advanced technology and telepathy
to stage her ruse.
The episode's climax sees Picard outsmarting
Ardra in the trial, using his knowledge
of Ventaxian law and the Federation legal
system to expose her deceptions.
The Ventaxians, relieved and enlightened,
see that their so-called "devil"
was nothing more than a fraud.
Strengths
Picard's Charisma: The episode is a showcase
for Picard's character, highlighting
his intellect, his unwavering belief
in logic, and his commanding presence.
His courtroom scenes are particularly entertaining.
Humourous Tone: The episode's lighthearted
approach to the "devil" mythos makes it an
enjoyable watch. Ardra is a charismatic
villain, and the crew's reactions to her
supposed powers provide some humourous moments.
Classic Trek Theme: "Devil's Due" perfectly
embodies a classic Star Trek theme: using
reason and science to debunk superstition
and belief in the supernatural. It's a
satisfying message that aligns
with the show's core values.
Weaknesses**
Predictable Plot: The central mystery is fairly
easy to solve. The audience can figure out
early on that Ardra is a fraud,
which lessens the suspense.
Lack of Stakes: The threat to Ventax II never
feels truly dangerous, as it's obvious to the
viewer that Picard will ultimately succeed.
This makes the episode feel more like a fun
romp than a high-stakes drama.
Overall Impression
"Devil's Due" is a straightforward
and entertaining episode. While it lacks
the emotional depth and complexity of other TNG
stories, it's a great example of the show's
ability to tell a simple, clever tale. It's a fun
and lighthearted adventure that allows the crew,
especially Picard, to shine.
Rating: 7/10
ChatGPt
HererCOs my review of **rCLStar Trek: The Next
Generation rCo *DevilrCOs Due***rCY (Season 4,
Episode 13), based on the transcript
and a variety of critical perspectives:
---
## Overview & Plot Summary
The Enterprise responds to a planet-wide panic on
**Ventax II**, where citizens fear that
**Ardra**rCotheir mythological devilrCohas
returned to claim dominion as per
a 1,000-year-old contract. Captain Picard
must defuse the situation, steering a volatile
society back toward reason while uncovering
Ardra's true nature. The charismatic con
artist (played by Marta DuBois) uses theatrical
illusionsrColike shapeshifting into a
Klingon rCLdevilrCYrCoto enforce her claims.
Picard calls for arbitration, naming Data
as judge, while the crew works behind the scenes
to expose Ardra as a fraud. In the end,
her leverage is exposed, and sherCOs arrested
by her own people.
([Wikipedia][1], [Den of Geek][2], [Memory Beta][3])
---
## Okay, What Works?
* **Pure Fun Energy**
This episode is a lighter, camp-infused
diversionrCoa palate cleanser amid heavier
arcs. Many viewers enjoy its playful tone.
([IMDb][4], [Den of Geek][2], [Joy of Trek][5])
* **Marta DuBois as Ardra**
Her mischievous, seductive portrayal elevates
the episode. Critics say DuBois rCLsteals the
show,rCY delivering a devilish charm thatrCOs
both memorable and theatrically delightful.
([IMDb][4], [Wikipedia][1], [Joy of Trek][5])
* **Nostalgic TOS Vibes**
The story originates from an unused *Star
Trek: Phase II* script, giving it
a rCLTOS feelrCY with echoes of courtroom
showdowns and mischievous trickery.
([Jammer's Reviews][6], [Wikipedia][1])
* **Thematic Play on Superstition vs. Skepticism**
The story explores how easily fear and folklore
can be manipulatedrCoPicard's methodical
unraveling of ArdrarCOs tricks emphasizes reason
and critical thought.
([Scifi Dimensions][7], [Den of Geek][2], [TrekToday][8])
---
## But Where It Trips Up
* **Mixed Critical Reception**
The take is polarizingrCosome find it
entertaining, others view it as a gimmicky
strain on TNGrCOs usual depth.
([Scifi Dimensions][9], [Den of Geek][2])
* **Shallow World-Building**
Critics argue the Ventaxians and their society
are underdeveloped, making the premise feel
thin and contrived.
([TrekToday][8], [Doux Reviews][10])
* **Plot Convenience & Silliness**
The legal gimmickrConaming Data as an impartial
arbitrator because herCOs an androidrCois clever,
but edging into farcical territory.
([Den of Geek][2], [Doux Reviews][10])
* **Resistance to Depth**
Keith DeCandido describes the episode bluntly:
"it's just dumb," and sees DuBois' performance
as the only redeeming factor.
([Wikipedia][1])
---
## Fan & Critic Voices
* **The A.V. Club (Zack Handlen)**
Calls it rCLsilly, goofy funrCY and gives it
a rCLB+rCY for embracing its camp with charm.
([Wikipedia][1])
* **Tor.com (Keith R.A. DeCandido)**
More critical, rating it 2/10rCohe notes
DuBois as the lone saving grace amid
a blatantly un-serious script.
([Wikipedia][1])
* **Scifi Dimensions**
Labels it rCLworthwhilerCY for its fun
vibes, strong guest performance,
and clever twist on belief versus illusion.
([Scifi Dimensions][7])
* **TrekToday**
Calls it a "terrible episode, yet memorable,"
thanks largely to DuBois' relish in the role.
([TrekToday][8])
---
## Final Rating: **6/10**
**Verdict:** *DevilrCOs Due* doesnrCOt deliver
the philosophical depth of classic TNGrCoitrCOs
more theatrical than thoughtful. But if yourCOre
in the mood for camp, charisma, and a playful
twist on lawyer-vs-devil tropes, itrCOs a guilty
pleasure worth watching. DuBois shines, Picard
holds his ground, and the episode earns a spot
for pure entertainment valuerCoeven if itrCOs not
among the best.
[1]:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Due_%28Star_Trek%3A_The_Next_Generation%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Devil's Due (Star Trek: The Next Generation)"
[2]:
https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/revisiting-star-trek-tng-devils-due/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Revisiting Star Trek TNG: DevilrCOs Due - Den of Geek"
[3]:
https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Devil%27s_Due?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Devil's Due | Memory Beta, non-canon Star Trek Wiki | Fandom"
[4]:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708702/reviews?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Star Trek: The Next Generation\" Devil's Due (TV Episode 1991) - IMDb"
[5]:
https://joyoftrek.com/episode/devils-due-tng-s4-e13?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Devil's Due (TNG S4 E13) - The Joy of Trek"
[6]:
https://www.jammersreviews.com/st-tng/s4/devils.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Devil's Due\" | Star Trek: TNG | Jammer's Reviews"
[7]:
https://www.scifidimensions.com/is-devils-due-worth-watching/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Is rCLDevilrCOs DuerCY worth watching? - Scifi Dimensions"
[8]:
https://www.trektoday.com/reviews/tng/devils_due.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Trek Nation - Devil's Due - TrekToday"
[9]:
https://www.scifidimensions.com/what-are-the-reviews-saying-about-devils-due/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "What are the reviews saying about rCLDevilrCOs DuerCY?"
[10]:
https://www.douxreviews.com/2016/08/star-trek-next-generation-devils-due.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Doux Reviews: Star Trek The Next Generation: Devil's Due"
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