From Newsgroup: rec.arts.startrek.current

AI/LLM Reviews of Star Trek The Next Generation - Clues

Google Gemini

Plot Synopsis
The Enterprise is traveling to a diplomatic
conference when it encounters a spatial anomaly
that renders the entire crew unconscious
for 30 seconds. Upon awakening, the crew appears
fine, but they quickly discover strange
inconsistencies. Data is unable to provide a full
report on the incident, and a microscopic
investigation reveals a strange alien bacterium
on Commander Riker's uniform.

The crew begins to suspect that something is not
right. They find the warp core has been offline
for a longer period than Data reported, and they
discover a broken bone in Geordi's arm, which he
has no memory of. All evidence points to Data
being the one responsible for these anomalies,
as his behaviour becomes increasingly odd and evasive.

The central mystery deepens as Picard and the crew
discover more fabricated details and a series
of "clues" that suggest a vast cover-up.
The dramatic climax reveals that the crew
was unconscious for much longer than they thought.
The inhabitants of a planet within the anomaly,
the Paxans, had incapacitated the crew to prevent
them from interfering with their highly sensitive
environment. Data, in his role as the only sentient
being, had been ordered to hide the encounter,
and in doing so, he created the elaborate ruse
to protect the Paxans' secret.

Strengths
Compelling Mystery: The episode's narrative is a clever
puzzle that unfolds piece by piece. The audience is with
the crew as they try to solve the mystery,
and the tension builds effectively as the discrepancies
accumulate.

Character Focus: "Clues" is a great episode for Data.
It highlights his unique nature and his conflict
between following orders and maintaining the trust
of his friends. His performance in the episode's
final confrontation with Picard is particularly strong.

Intelligent Writing: The script is well-structured,
with a satisfying payoff that makes sense within
the logic of the Star Trek universe. It's an excellent
example of a story that uses a science fiction premise
to explore themes of trust and obedience.

Tense Atmosphere: The atmosphere is palpable
as the crew becomes increasingly paranoid
and unsure of what's happening. The sense
of isolation and mystery is very well done.

Weaknesses
The premise relies on a very specific set
of circumstances and a rather convenient
alien solution. Some viewers might
find the explanation for the mystery
a bit simplistic.

Overall Impression
"Clues" is a well-crafted, mind-bending mystery
that is both suspenseful and intellectually
engaging. It's a testament to the show's ability
to create intriguing standalone stories.
The episode is a memorable showcase for Data
and a fun example of a classic "whodunit"
in a sci-fi setting.

Rating: 8/10

ChatGPT

HererCOs a full review of **rCLStar Trek:
The Next Generation rCo *Clues***rCY
(Season 4, Episode 14), based
on the transcript and reinforced
by critical and fan commentary:

---

## Episode Summary

The Enterprise passes through a wormhole,
and everyone aboardrCoexcept DatarCoappears
to lose consciousness for just 30 seconds.
As Picard and crew awaken, strange discrepancies
emerge: CrusherrCOs moss shows 24 hours of growth,
WorfrCOs broken wrist has healed, and data from
a planet survey seems to contradict itself.
Gradually, the mounting clues point to
an unsettling possibility: something more
is at play than a simple malfunction.
([Wikipedia][1])

As suspicions mount, Picard narrows in
on the PaxansrCoan advanced, xenophobic race.
ItrCOs revealed that Data has been shielding
the Enterprise from the Paxans' disorienting
stun beam, acting out of loyalty
and protective intent. The Paxans, recognising
human curiosity as a threat, agree to erase
the memory of the encounterrCobut not before
Data is forced to navigate a moral tightrope.
([Wikipedia][1])

---

## What Works

* **Ingenious Mystery Structure**
A locked-room detective setup in space
starring DatarCothis clever twist plays
like a sci-fi puzzle that keeps you guessing.
([Thoughts From the Mountain Top][2], [Scifi Dimensions][3])

* **Exploration of Trust and Loyalty**
The central conflict is not rCLDid he lie?rCY
but rCLDid he lie for us?rCY PicardrCOs difficult
decision about compromising DatarCOs transparency
for the crewrCOs safety is emotionally resonant.
([Wikipedia][1], [Scifi Dimensions][3])

* **Compelling Performances**
Spiner as Data delivers a subtly masterful
portrayalrCoemotionless on the surface,
unwavering in his silent defense of the ship.
Other crew members play their parts in building
a compelling realistic tension.
([Thoughts From the Mountain Top][2])

* **Enduring Popularity**
Widely rewatched on streaming platforms,
recognised by **Wired** among best TNG episodes,
and spotlighted by **Vox** and **Syfy Wire**
for the complex dynamic between Picard and Data.
([Wikipedia][1], [WIRED][4])

---

## Some Criticisms

* **Average on Repeat Views**
Some reviews (e.g., *Den of Geek*) argue
that the mystery loses its charm after
the first watchrCothe puzzle works once,
but rewatching dilutes the impact.
([Den of Geek][5])

* **Light on World-Building**
The Paxans remain mysterious
and underexploredrCoserving more as
a plot device than a fleshed-out
alien civilisation.
([douxreviews.com][6], [Scifi Dimensions][3])

* **Condensed Resolution**
Some viewers felt the wrap-up was rushed,
wrapping up the complex setup without
giving lasting emotional fallout.
([IMDb][7], [Den of Geek][5])

---

## Fan Praise

Comments from IMDb viewers highlight
the episoderCOs standout mystery and writing:

* > rCLA masterpiece for all TrekkiesrCa one of the
most under-appreciated episodesrCa a fascinating plot.rCY rCo 10/10
([IMDb][7])

* > rCLNail-biting setup with subtle confessionsrCoperfect
for fans of the cerebral side of Trek.rCY
([IMDb][7])

---

## Final Rating: **9/10**

**Verdict:** *Clues* is one of TNGrCOs most tightly constructed
and emotionally charged mysteries. With DatarCOs silent heroism
at its heart and PicardrCOs moral quandary at its center, it's
a standout that marries character drama, sci-fi intrigue,
and ethical depth. The episode may not hold up quite
as well on repeat viewings, but its initial
impactrCoand the bond it underscores between man
and machinerCoremain unforgettable.

[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clues_%28Star_Trek%3A_The_Next_Generation%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Clues (Star Trek: The Next Generation) - Wikipedia"
[2]: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.com/2020/08/21/star-trek-the-next-generation-clues/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation rCo Clues rCo A Deeper Look at DatarCOs ..."
[3]: https://www.scifidimensions.com/is-clues-worth-watching-a-deep-dive-into-this-star-trek-the-next-generation-enigma/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Is rCLCluesrCY Worth Watching? A Deep Dive into This Star Trek: The Next ..."
[4]: https://www.wired.com/2012/09/top-five-star-trek?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek Week: My Top Five Favorite Episodes from Star Trek: The Next Generation"
[5]: https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/revisiting-star-trek-tng-clues/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Revisiting Star Trek TNG: Clues - Den of Geek"
[6]: https://www.douxreviews.com/2016/08/star-trek-next-generation-clues.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Doux Reviews: Star Trek The Next Generation: Clues"
[7]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708688/reviews/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Star Trek: The Next Generation\" Clues (TV Episode 1991) - IMDb"
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