From Newsgroup: rec.arts.startrek.misc

Ai/LLM Reviews of Star Trek The Next Generation - Thine Own Self

Google Gemini

Plot Synopsis

The episode follows two distinct but thematically linked storylines.

A-Plot (Data): Data is sent to the pre-industrial planet Barkon-4 to dismantle a Federation anthropological probe before it can be discovered. The probe unexpectedly explodes, scattering radiation and causing Data to suffer severe amnesia. Found by a local woman, Gia, Data struggles to reconcile his advanced abilities with his total lack of identity. He begins to fit into the primitive village, but his unusual behavior and association with a "fire" (the radiation) soon turn the local population suspicious and fearful of him, viewing him as a dangerous, enigmatic "Observer."

B-Plot (Troi): Counselor Deanna Troi attempts the Starfleet Bridge OfficerrCOs Test (BOAT), a rigorous series of examinations required to receive a promotion to Commander and qualify for command duty. She struggles with the final, complex command simulation, which requires her to sacrifice a crew member (Geordi La Forge) to save the entire ship and crew from destruction. After failing the first attempt due to her emotional reluctance, she confronts her limitations and retakes the test, making the difficult, tactical choice necessary to pass and prove her readiness for command.

Strengths

Identity and Humanity: The Data storyline is a compelling exploration of identity. Stripped of his programming, Data still shows a yearning for purpose and community. His amnesiac struggle to understand why he is different ("The Observer") serves as a tragic mirror to his decades-long quest to become human.

TroirCOs Evolution: The B-plot is significant for Troi's character development. It directly addresses the need for command staff to make cold, calculated decisions, forcing the empath to set aside her compassion in favor of duty. Her ultimate success is a major milestone, reinforcing her growth from a pure counselor to a capable Starfleet officer.

Thematic Contrast: The two plots work well in contrast: Data, a non-human, is forced to experience life as an ambiguous, isolated human, while Troi, a human empath, must embrace the mechanical, detached logic required of a machine-like command officer.

Weaknesses

Familiar Trope: The "amnesiac character in a primitive village" is a heavily utilized trope in science fiction, and this episode follows many predictable beats until the darker, ambiguous conclusion.

Lack of Interaction: The two storylines are excellent but exist in parallel. There is no direct influence between Data's crisis and Troi's test, which makes the episode feel slightly segmented.

Overall Impression

"Thine Own Self" is a strong character episode that manages to breathe new life into two distinct narrative forms: the alien encounter and the professional test. It provides meaningful depth for both Data and Troi, concluding their individual arcs with a sense of tragedy (Data) and professional achievement (Troi). It is one of the best character-focused stories of the seventh season.

Rating: 8.5/10

ChatGPT

Good pick. HererCOs a **review of *Star Trek: The Next Generation* rCo rCLThine Own SelfrCY** (Episode 268) based on the Chakoteya transcript ([Chakoteya][1]), plus broader context, strengths, criticisms, and a rating.

---

## Review: *TNG rCo Thine Own Self*

### What Works Well

1. **Data-Centric Emotional Core**

* The episoderCOs main plot centers on Data losing his memory and wandering into a primitive village, laden with radioactive fragments he doesnrCOt fully understand. ([Chakoteya][1])
* This amnesia setup allows Data to re-express what makes him uniquely *Data*: his curiosity, his scientific rationality, and his compassion. Despite his memory loss, he still builds trust with villagers like Gia and Garvin. ([Chakoteya][1])
* The moment where Data realizes the illness comes from the metal fragments and works to find a cure shows his methodical, scientific mind working even without his full memory. ([Cygnus X-1][2])
* His logical, patient way of teaching, building a primitive lab, and reasoning through disease rCo even when he is rCLotheredrCY by the villagers rCo is very rCLclassic Data,rCY and itrCOs emotionally satisfying.

2. **Science vs Superstition Theme**

* The contrast between DatarCOs scientific worldview and the villagersrCO more primitive beliefs is compelling. For instance, thererCOs a scene where Data debates with the village teacher about the nature of elements (fire, air, wood, etc.). ([Chakoteya][1])
* This tension highlights a recurring *Star Trek* theme: the clash between knowledge and ignorance, and how fear can distort understanding.

3. **Moral Stakes & Sacrifice**

* Data risks his own safety (and even life) to cure the villagers. At one point, he is attacked by an angry mob, showing how terrifying rCLthe otherrCY can be to a superstitious society. ([Cygnus X-1][2])
* His decision to pour the antidote into the villagerCOs well is symbolic rCo herCOs giving something back to the people who fear him, even when they donrCOt fully trust him yet.

4. **A-Plot / B-Plot Balance**

* While DatarCOs storyline is the emotional and intellectual centerpiece, there is a B-plot: TroirCOs attempt to pass her CommanderrCOs exam. ([Jammers Reviews][3])
* This subplot gives Troi some development rCo she wrestles with the idea that being a rCLnicerCY counselor might not be enough, and that a captain sometimes has to make very hard decisions. ([Jammers Reviews][3])
* The two plots tie thematically: identity, responsibility, and what it means to serve and protect.

5. **Good Writing & Performance**

* The screenplay (written by Ronald D. Moore) balances philosophical dialogue, personal drama, and a solid sci-fi hook.
* Brent Spiner (Data) does a good job conveying vulnerability, confusion, and determination when herCOs lost and then when he regains clarity.
* Guest actors (like Gia and Garvin) feel believable, helping ground DatarCOs alien-ness in human relationships.

6. **Pacing & Tone**

* The episode doesnrCOt feel overly rCLaction-yrCY; it leans more into thoughtful exploration, which makes the stakes feel more personal and grounded.
* According to a review by *The A.V. Club*, while itrCOs not a classic, the episode rCLdoesnrCOt overstay its welcomerCY and provides rCLa few moments of insight and wit.rCY ([AV Club][4])
* The direction works to maintain a calm but thoughtful pace, letting DatarCOs alien-but-caring presence be felt in every scene.

---

## Criticisms / Weaknesses

1. **Plot Convenience / Suspension of Disbelief**

* Some critics (e.g., JammerrCOs Reviews) point out that the premise strains credulity: how does Data lose *just enough* memory to forget rCLradioactivity,rCY but retain enough reasoning ability to teach science, build a lab, figure out a cure, and perform chemical work? ([Jammers Reviews][3])
* The speed with which Data diagnoses the illness and devises a (seemingly effective) cure feels a little rushed or hand-wavy rCo particularly given the primitive conditions of the village. (This is also noted in reviews.) ([Jammers Reviews][3])
* ThererCOs a kind of rCLresetrCY at the end: Data is recovered, but he doesnrCOt remember what happened. So while the drama is emotionally resonant, there's a lack of lasting impact on his character (memory-wise).

2. **Troi Subplot Feels Weak / Forced**

* JammerrCOs Reviews is particularly harsh on TroirCOs story: they argue her command test and promotion are not well earned, and that her character comes across as immature when she pushes for the rank. ([Jammers Reviews][3])
* The test Troi takes feels contrived: sherCOs put in a holodeck simulation, and the main rCLchallengerCY is whether she can order someone to sacrifice themselves. Some argue thatrCOs too simplistic a measure of command potential. ([Jammers Reviews][3])
* Her motivation (rCLI want to be a commanderrCY) isnrCOt deeply explored; it feels more like a whim rather than a long-held professional goal, which undermines the emotional weight of her success.

3. **Unremarkable B-Plot Resolution**

* While the B-plot resolves (Troi passes), it doesnrCOt bring a very strong payoff or growth rCo itrCOs more of a footnote than a major transformation.
* Some might feel the episode devotes too much time to TroirCOs test when DatarCOs storyline is much more compelling and emotionally rich.

4. **Scientific Realism / Credibility**

* As others have noted, the villagers are fairly rCLpre-industrialrCY yet seem to recognize some basic science once Data explains things. The balance between their ignorance and the sophistication of DatarCOs intervention is a little fuzzy.
* Radiation poisoning and rCLantidote in a wellrCY is a trope; while Trek can lean on sci-fi, the realism of how the cure works (and how Data figures it out so cleanly) may feel a bit too neat.

5. **Lack of Long-Term Consequences**

* At the end, even though Data helps the villagers, thererCOs no enduring change: the radioactive fragments are buried, but we donrCOt see a village transformed by science or understanding.
* Also, DatarCOs memory is wiped of the experience rCo so emotionally for the viewer itrCOs meaningful, but for him (and possibly the writers) itrCOs treated as a rCLone-offrCY rather than a lasting development.

---

## Overall Assessment

* **Strengths**: The episode is strong when it leans into its philosophical and character themes. DatarCOs amnesia and his scientific problem-solving in a primitive society provide some of the most interesting rCLData being DatarCY moments. The moral tension (helping people who fear you) is classic Trek.
* **Weaknesses**: For all its thoughtful setup, some of the execution feels too convenient, and the subplot with Troi doesnrCOt quite earn all its stakes. The reset ending also dampens long-term impact.
* **Impact**: ItrCOs not a rCLclassicrCY (in the sense of being one of the most remembered TNG episodes), but itrCOs a **solid, thoughtful late-series character piece** that works well for Data and gives Troi a moment in the spotlight.

---

## **Rating: 7.5 / 10**

**Why 7.5**: Good performances (especially Data), interesting moral/scientific themes, and emotional beats make this a worthwhile episode. But the plot convenience, underdeveloped B-plot, and somewhat rCLresetrCY resolution hold it back from being great.

---

[1]: https://www.chakoteya.net/NextGen/268.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Next Generation Transcripts - Thine Own Self"
[2]: https://www.cygnus-x1.net/links/lcars/epsd-TNG7-16.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Thine Own Self\" (S7:E16) Star Trek: The Next Generation Episode Summary"
[3]: https://www.jammersreviews.com/st-tng/s7/thine.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Thine Own Self\" | Star Trek: TNG | Jammer's Reviews"
[4]: https://www.avclub.com/star-trek-the-next-generation-lower-decks-thine-ow-1798170288?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation: rCLLower DecksrCY/rCLThine Own SelfrCY - AV Club"
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