Okay episodes 23 and 24 of season four are here, we’re almost finished the season! I’ve reviewed The Host and The Mind’s Eye, two decent but somewhat forgettable episodes, and probably a step down from the previous two I reviewed.
The Host introduces us to the Trill, a race Star Trek fans would see in every single episode of Deep Space 9 in the character of Jadzia Dax, played by the slightly loopy Terry Farrell. Odan, the Trill in our episode, is the son of a distinguished ambassador sent to mediate between two moons of a planet, one of which has discovered a new power source that will harm the other one. While taking a shuttle to the planet Odan is shot at and fatally injured, and only then do we learn his secret: there’s a parasite inside Odan which is the actual guy, the physical body is just a host! How will Beverly Crusher, who’s been having all kinds of sex with him, adjust when Riker volunteers to temporarily host Odan during the mediation?
One of the first things you’ll notice is the make up is very different for a Trill in this episode than we’ll ever see again. His face is lumpier and there are no dots. This is a Beverly-centric episode, and the director had to hide the fact that Gates was pregnant at the time. This is why she’s in her medical frock in virtually every scene. It’s a pretty decent episode, but not one TNG fans will say is a highlight of season four. Check out other behind the scenes info as well as an interview with Gates about this episode in my full review.
The Mind’s Eye is more watchable IMO. This is a Geordi episode, and he’s in a shuttle pod heading to the well-known pleasure planet Risa for a conference. He’s unwinding for the 3-hour trip when a Romulan warbird de-cloaks and captures him. He’s then brain washed for the purpose of assassinating a Klingon governor, in the hopes of ending the Federation-Klingon alliance.
Anyone who enjoys classic movies knows this is an ode to The Manchurian Candidate, a terrific film from the 60’s. I highly recommend it for those who don’t mind watching things in black and white. This is also the third time we get to see through Geordi’s VISOR, from his POV. Do you recall what the other two are? Check out my full review and you’ll learn that and a few other things.
That wraps up this blog entry. We really are near the end of season four–finally! There are only two episodes left. My next entry will cover In Theory and Redemption, two excellent episodes, before leaving this season and moving on.