From Newsgroup: rec.arts.sf.tv
AI/LLM reviews of Star Trek The Next Generation - Galaxy's Child
Google Gemini
Plot Synopsis
The Enterprise encounters a massive, silicon-based,
spaceborne lifeform. Lieutenant Commander Geordi
La Forge, fascinated by the creature, names it
"Gomtuu" after a phrase meaning "lonely one"
in a children's book. The crew quickly discovers
that Gomtuu is weak and possibly dying. In a tragic
and unexpected turn of events, a mistake during
a diagnostic scan causes the Enterprise
to inadvertently kill the creature.
Immediately, a new, much smaller lifeform
emerges from the dead body of Gomtuu. This "child"
imprints on the Enterprise, perceiving it
as its parent. The child begins to feed
on the ship's energy, drawing power from the warp
core and causing a critical power drain. The crew
must race against time to figure out how to
communicate with the child and teach it to find
its own energy source before it completely
drains the ship.
A compelling secondary plot unfolds as Geordi
is joined on the bridge by Dr. Leah Brahms,
the brilliant warp field expert he has long a
dmired. However, the real Dr. Brahms is
a stern, serious professional, nothing
like the idealized, friendly version Geordi
created on his holodeck. Their professional
collaboration is strained by the awkwardness
of GeordirCOs prior "relationship" with
the simulated Brahms, forcing him to confront
his own insecurities and idealization of others.
Strengths
Classic Moral Dilemma: The episode presents
a powerful and classic Star Trek ethical conundrum.
The crew, through no malice, accidentally kills
a sentient being, and the story explores their
profound sense of responsibility
and guilt for its orphaned child.
Geordi's Character Development: This is a
standout episode for Geordi La Forge. It
highlights his passion for science
and his emotional depth. The subplot
with Dr. Brahms is a bold, realistic,
and often uncomfortable look at the
dangers of idealizing people. It's
a memorable moment of growth for his character.
Emotional Core: The relationship between the
crew and the cosmic lifeform's child is genuinely
touching. The attempts to communicate with
the young creature and the sense of mourning
for the parent create a strong emotional
foundation for the story.
Tense Pacing: The urgency of the ship's
power drain and the impending danger create
a palpable sense of tension throughout the episode.
Weaknesses
The Brahms Subplot: While it is a strong point
for GeordirCOs character, the subplot is very
uncomfortable to watch at times. The resolution
of their conflict, while necessary for the story,
can feel a bit rushed, especially
given the emotional fallout.
Overall Impression
"Galaxy's Child" is an excellent
and emotionally resonant episode
that skillfully balances a compelling
sci-fi plot with a deep character study.
It stands as a great example of the show's
ability to explore complex themes
of responsibility, grief,
and the mistakes we make in a powerful
and memorable way.
Rating: 8.5/10
ChatGPT
HererCOs a thorough review of **rCLStar Trek:
The Next GenerationrCY rCo *GalaxyrCOs Child***
(Season 4, Episode 16), based on script
details and a broad range of critiques
and fan responses:
---
### Overview
In *GalaxyrCOs Child*, Dr. Leah BrahmsrCoone
of the Enterprise enginerCOs original
designersrCojoins the ship for consultation.
Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge, who previously
relied on a holographic version of her to save
the Enterprise in *Booby Trap*, is eager
to meet the real her. However, the meeting
turns awkward quickly: Brahms dismisses
his engine modifications,
and when she discovers the holodeck program
of her likenessrCowhich was used by Geordi
without his fully realizing
the implicationsrCothings become severely uncomfortable.
At the same time, the Enterprise encounters a colossal
space creature that attacks defensively. After accidentally
killing it, Picard and crew discover it was pregnant.
Through ingenuity, they safely deliver the offspring,
which then latches onto the ship for nourishmentrCoforcing
the crew to find a way to safely separate it and set it free.
([Wikipedia][1], [Den of Geek][2], [Everything Explained Today][3])
---
### What Works
* **Sci-Fi Concept & Visuals**
The space creature and its newborn
are creatively conceived and compellingly
portrayed, offering an imaginative alien
subplot that balances the more human drama.
Effects were praised for their smoothness and originality.
([Wikipedia][1], [Thoughts From the Mountain Top][4], [Everything Explained Today][3])
* **Strong Performances**
Patrick Stewart delivers moving emotional
moments as Picard wrestles with guilt over
killing a sentient beingrCoeven unknowingly.
([Wikipedia][1], [Everything Explained Today][3])
---
### Where It Falls Short
* **Problematic Portrayal of Geordi**
A majority of critics and fans find Geordi's
behaviorrCostemming from unconsented use of BrahmsrCOs
likenessrCodeeply unsettling. His defense of himself
rather than acknowledging the violation has drawn
widespread condemnation: terms like rCLcreepy,rCY
rCLgaslighting,rCY and rCLuncomfortablerCY frequently
appear in commentary.
([Reddit][5], [angriest.blogspot.com][6], [Trakt][7], [Thoughts From the Mountain Top][4], [Den of Geek][2], [The Trek BBS][8], [jphalt-startrek-tng-reviews.blogspot.com][9])
* **Uneven Character Resolution**
Critics point out that BrahmsrCOs final apology toward
GeordirCogiven her rightful angerrCois tone-deaf,
reinforcing an imbalanced power dynamic rather than healing it.
([angriest.blogspot.com][6], [Trakt][7], [Reddit][10])
* **Mixed Critical Reception**
* **Zack Handlen (The A.V. Club):** Gave it a **C+**,
noting the audience isnrCOt given reason to sympathize
with Geordi's actions.
([Wikipedia][1], [Everything Explained Today][3])
* **Den of Geek:** Mixed; calls it well-structured
with good chemistry, but built on a flawed premise.
([Den of Geek][2], [Everything Explained Today][3])
* **Keith DeCandido (Tor.com):** 3/10; praises Picard's
arc, but condemns GeordirCOs behavior as morally reprehensible.
([Everything Explained Today][3])
---
### Audience Feedback
* **IMDb Rating:** Approximately **7.0/10**
from \~3,500 usersrCosuggesting moderate
viewer approval overall.
([IMDb][11])
* **Fan Perspectives Vary:**
* Some note the space creature subplot
is enjoyable and imaginative
but overshadowed by GeordirCOs unsettling conduct.
* Others outright skip the episode in
rewatch marathons due to how uncomfortable
they find his behavior.
([Reddit][12])
---
### Final Verdict
**Rating: 5.5 / 10**
**Verdict:** *GalaxyrCOs Child* presents
an intriguing sci-fi scenariorCothe birth
of a living starship babyrCothat showcases
the series' creative spark. However, it's
deeply marred by a misjudged romantic
subplot, where GeordirCOs behavior crosses
ethical lines without meaningful
consequence or acknowledgment. The uneven tone
and dismissal of BrahmsrCOs justified reaction
undermine the episoderCOs impact. What could have
been a thoughtful exploration of ambition
and obsession instead leans into discomfort.
[1]:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy%27s_Child?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Galaxy's Child"
[2]:
https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/revisiting-star-trek-tng-galaxys-child/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Revisiting Star Trek TNG: Galaxy's Child | Den of Geek"
[3]:
https://everything.explained.today/Galaxy%27s_Child/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Galaxy's Child Explained"
[4]:
https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.com/2020/08/24/star-trek-the-next-generation-galaxys-child/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation rCo GalaxyrCOs Child rCo Geordi LaForgerCOs Love Strugglesopinions, ideas, thoughts, & reviews"
[5]:
https://www.reddit.com/r/DaystromInstitute/comments/m7ig3k?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Galaxy's Child\" is a severely misunderstood episode which is critical (albeit, gently) of the male gaze - NOT an endorsement of it."
[6]:
https://angriest.blogspot.com/2015/12/star-trek-next-generation-galaxys-child.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Angriest: Star Trek: The Next Generation: \"Galaxy's Child\""
[7]:
https://trakt.tv/comments/372804?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation 4x16 \"Galaxy's Child\" review by Andrew Bloom - Trakt"
[8]:
https://www.trekbbs.com/threads/galaxys-child-in-a-tng-marathon-why-i-skipped-this-episode.302645/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Poll - Galaxy's Child: in a tng marathon why I skipped this episode? | The Trek BBS"
[9]:
https://jphalt-startrek-tng-reviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/4-16-galaxys-child.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 - 1994) - Random Musings: 4-16. Galaxy's Child"
[10]:
https://www.reddit.com/r/startrek/comments/ho6zch?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The ending of \"Galaxy's Child\" makes no sense"
[11]:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708720/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Star Trek: The Next Generation\" Galaxy's Child (TV Episode 1991) - IMDb"
[12]:
https://www.reddit.com/r/TNG/comments/kl44hh?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Episodes you skip when rewatching ?"
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