From Newsgroup: rec.arts.startrek.current
Ai LLM Reviews of Star Trek The Next Generation - Future Imperfect
Google Gemini
Plot Synopsis
The episode begins with Commander Riker leading
an away team on a planet, where he is knocked
unconscious by a strange gas. When he awakens,
he is shocked to find himself in sickbay, where
he is told that 16 years have passed. He is now
the captain of the Enterprise, and Data is his
first officer and an admiral. Riker's son,
Jean-Luc, is on board, and his former holodeck
character, Minuet, is now a real person
and his partner.
Riker is initially disoriented but accepts
his new reality, though he quickly notices
inconsistencies. He finds his son distant
and strange. He is told that they are on
the brink of war with the Romulans,
and he must lead the Enterprise into a battle he
knows nothing about. As he struggles to adapt,
Riker's suspicions grow. He realises that the
events are too perfect and too convenient. When
he attempts to access the ship's log and finds it
manipulated, he understands that something
is very wrong.
He finally confronts his "son," who reveals himself
to be an alien entity named Ethan. Ethan, a lonely
life form, had created the entire scenario to test
Riker and decide if he was a suitable friend.
The entire reality was a lie, and Ethan had created
it all to end his own solitude. The real away team
is found safe, and Riker and the crew return
to normal, leaving behind the memory of a future
that never was.
Strengths
Psychological Thriller: The episode is a
masterclass in psychological suspense. It keeps
the audience guessing and creates genuine
tension as Riker tries to figure out what
is real and what is not.
Emotional Depth: The episode provides
a fascinating look into Riker's emotional
landscape. We see his confusion, fear,
and eventual determination to uncover the truth.
The moments with his "son" are particularly
touching and make the final reveal all the more impactful.
A Unique Sci-Fi Twist: The resolution of the plot,
revealing the lonely alien entity, is a classic
Star Trek trope but is executed with emotional
weight and a fresh perspective. The episode is not
about a simple threat but about a profound
act of loneliness.
Weaknesses
The resolution, while emotionally resonant,
is a bit abrupt. Some viewers might wish for
a more detailed explanation of Ethan's powers
and existence.
Overall Impression
"Future Imperfect" is a standout episode for its
clever, character-driven plot. It's a wonderful
example of a mind-bending sci-fi mystery that
asks profound questions about identity, reality,
and human connection. It showcases Riker's
intelligence and resilience, proving that he is
a capable leader and a deeply empathetic individual.
Rating: 9/10
ChatGPT
HererCOs a review of **rCLStar Trek: The Next
GenerationrCY rCo *Future Imperfect*** (Season 4,
Episode 8), based on the script
from [chakoteya.net](
http://www.chakoteya.net/NextGen/182.htm),
plus insights from critics and fans:
---
## Summary
Riker, Worf, and Geordi investigate a mysterious
planet; suddenly, Riker awakens to find himself
16 years in the future. HerCOs now Captain of the
Enterprise, Picard is an Admiral, and the
crewrCoincluding Worf and DatarCohaven't aged.
Riker, suffering from memory loss, gradually
realises his "future" is a fabricated simulation
designed to trick him into sharing Federation
secrets. The illusion is powered by a lonely
alien child named Ethan (aka Barash), who just
wanted real companyrCoeven if it meant creating
a false reality. Riker ultimately helps Ethan
escape to the real Enterprise.
([Wikipedia][1], [Den of Geek][2], [Thoughts From the Mountain Top][3])
---
## What Works
* **Compelling "What If" Scenario**
Imagining Riker as future CaptainrCocomplete
with altered crew dynamics and a sonrCois
absorbing and creates compelling
emotional dissonance.
([Den of Geek][2], [Thoughts From the Mountain Top][3])
* **Thrilling Mystery and Revelations**
As Riker notices odd inconsistenciesrCoGeordi's
missing VISOR, Data using contractionsrCoit
escalates into an intriguing unraveling of illusions.
([AV Club][4], [macs.hw.ac.uk][5])
* **Emotional Core**
The final revealrCothat Ethan crafted the illusion
because he was lonelyrCoimbues the episode
with tenderness and moral complexity.
RikerrCOs willingness to protect Ethan makes
a touching statement about empathy.
([Den of Geek][2], [Thoughts From the Mountain Top][3])
* **Strong Reception**
* **The A.V. Club** rated it **A-**,
commending the scriptrCOs clever design
and sustained suspense.
* **Den of Geek** praised it
as rCLone of the most fun episodes,rCY
especially among holodeck-style stories.
* **Empire** ranked it in the top 50
of all *Star Trek* episodes.
([Wikipedia][1])
---
## Criticisms
* **Predictable Resolution by Design**
Some viewers and reviewers note
the rCLillusion revealrCY feels familiarrCoas
a narrative device it's satisfying,
but a bit overused in sci-fi.
([macs.hw.ac.uk][5])
* **Surface-Level Depth**
While conceptually engaging, some argue
it doesnrCOt dig deeply into the emotional
fallout for Riker or explore implications
beyond the twist.
([Thoughts From the Mountain Top][3], [Saga of the Jasonite][6])
* **Underdeveloped Alien Character**
BarashrCothough centralrCoremains mysterious.
His story finishes satisfactorily,
but his broader place in the lore
is left unexplored.
([Reddit][7], [Thoughts From the Mountain Top][3])
---
## FansrCO Takeaways
From Reddit fans:
*rCLOne of the best Riker-centric
episodesrCa great twist and emotional
weight.rCY*
*rCLItrCOs the only time in a long
time entertainment has made me
cryrCoit fully immersed me.rCY*
([Reddit][8])
Of course, some admit being mixed on the ending:
*rCLGreat until the last
ten minutesrCa felt forced and quick.rCY*
([Reddit][9])
---
## Final Verdict and Rating
**Rating: 8 / 10**
**Verdict:** *Future Imperfect*
is a smart, emotionally resonant
episode that plays brilliantly on expectations.
RikerrCOs journey through a crafted future
delivers suspense, empathy, and heart.
A few flawsrColike its somewhat familiar
structure and thin supporting character
arcsrCokeep it from greatness, but it stands
out as a memorable and compassionate entry
in TNGrCOs catalog.
[1]:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_Imperfect?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Future Imperfect"
[2]:
https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/revisiting-star-trek-tng-future-imperfect/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Revisiting Star Trek TNG: Future Imperfect | Den of Geek"
[3]:
https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.com/2020/08/15/star-trek-the-next-generation-future-imperfect/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation rCo Future Imperfect rCo RikerrCOs 15-Year Journeyopinions, ideas, thoughts, & reviews"
[4]:
https://www.avclub.com/star-trek-the-next-generation-future-imperfect-fin-1798166755?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation: \"Future Imperfect\"/\"Final Mission\" - AV Club"
[5]:
https://www.macs.hw.ac.uk/~hwloidl/TL/tng4/future.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Tim Lynch's Review of Future Imperfect"
[6]:
https://sagaofthejasonite.wordpress.com/star-trek-the-next-generation/season-four/review-of-episode-81-future-imperfect/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Review of Episode 81: Future Imperfect | Saga of the Jasonite"
[7]:
https://www.reddit.com/r/startrek/comments/lxdqdy?utm_source=chatgpt.com "TNG: Future Imperfect Question"
[8]:
https://www.reddit.com/r/startrek/comments/n4jq3s?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Recently I have broken a long void of movies/tv in my life, and started watching Star trek TNG, It has been moving me greatly and I couldn't be any happier."
[9]:
https://www.reddit.com/r/startrek/comments/k8c1l6?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Favorite Star Trek episode? Maybe? (TNG)"
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