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Star Trek TNG Key Episodes (S5 EP 18-23-25) - Full Reaction (Patreon)

Published:
2024-06-23 09:22:16
Edited:
2026-08-19 23:07:05
Imported:
2026-06
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These three episodes were all very high on my list of favorites so far. I'm so glad they had all these seasons to develop the characters, explore so many ideas and try so many things. Patrick Stewart just is fantastic in every scene he does!

The S5 Epis in this reaction are:

  • E18 - Cause And Effect

  • E23 - I, Borg

  • E25 - The Inner Light

Files

Star Trek TNG Key Episodes (S5 EP 18-23-25) - Full Reaction - Popcorn In Bed

Watch the full reaction to Star Trek TNG Key Episodes (S5 EP 18-23-25) - Full Reaction on Popcorn In Bed.

Comments

p0sthum4n

So you ended up watching 5 this season? Awesome

Everderp

I know you leave it up to the polls but it’s a shame very few voted for “The Outcast”

djKENTO

THE INNER LIGHT! LETS GO!

Tom Furze

I have been waiting with excitement for these. Alright, here we go!

Ike

1) “The Inner Light” I believe was written by a fan. 2) it is Patrick Stewart’s favorite episode and one of mine also. 3) Young Batai was played by Stewart’s actual son, Daniel Stewart. And 4) that probe was an unspeakable violation on someone’s conscience! LOL. It’s borderline kidnapping and I cringe to image if it captured someone that was already married! Just a small fault line by the writing staff, but still an excellent story.

Laura Thornley

Cause and Effect is such a good episode.

Augustine Lee

Cassie some bangers. Including some of my all time tng favorites that you will not be reacting to from season 5,include “the game” the next phase, power play, and imaginary friend. The game is a Wesley focused episode with a famous actress as a costar. , imaginary friend is a unique story Line with lower ranking officers, and next phase is a super interesting story line that is Geordie and ensign ro focused. “A matter of time” is another banger. Super rewatchable. “Conundrum” is another friggin banger, the whole crew loses its memory simultaneously.

FleetAdmiralJ

5:30am? Lol. The early avifaunal lifeform gets the crawling vermicular lifeform.

FleetAdmiralJ

Okay, her reaction to the teaser in Cause in Effect did not disappoint XD. "You can't go to an intro after a scene like that!"

Ike

“Cause and Effect” (no one ever talks about this) Riker was concerned about Data stacking the deck - I would like to point out that Data stacked the deck to put four sequences of three (3)’s and a randomized “3-of-a-kind” for four players right in front of their faces! He could cheat whenever he wants. Always found that funny.

K, Zachary

Ok listening to your reaction while I sleep. I already read these three synopsis. So I know what happens. This should be fun. Here we go.......

Patrick Flanagan

In 2006, Picard's flute from "The Inner Light" was auctioned off at Christie's for $48,000. In 2019, it was auctioned again, and fetched $190,000. It is not actually capable of being played.

MikeLL

I just watched the Cause and Effect reaction and will watch the others later this evening after I get off of work. My Trek cravings and aspirations have now been satisfied, ha ha! All I wanted from Cassie's run through this series was to watch this one episode, Cause and Effect. It is my favorite of the many "mystery" episodes of the series. There is nothing I like better than episodes like this one, Clues, Remember Me, Conundrum and many others that are one-off episodes and are not connected with the long story arcs of the show, but are very self contained and entertaining with the central mystery of the episode. The reaction was all I hoped for, Cassie was on the edge of her bed and so intense throughout. If she goes back and watches more episodes, I hope it is to watch more of the "mystery" episodes!! Now I probably won't be as interested in what is watched for the rest of the seasons, lol! My desires are satisfied!!! Thank you, Cassie! (and all my fellow Trek fans that voted for Cause and Effect, thank you) Oh no, I just realized I have to suffer through I, Borg one more time later today! At least that will be balanced by the excellent The Inner Light!

Imzadi

Don't worry, there are some fantastic episodes in season six and seven. I would love to see your reaction to episodes like Face the Enemy, Fistful of Data's or Parallels and lower Decks

Laura Thornley

I hope you watch a few episodes from future Star Trek shows - you might get some answers to questions you have (non-specific to avoid spoilers).

Tom Furze

"What" with the look of confusion. I so remember that response when I first watched this episode. By the way Fraiser is also Beast from X Men.

Marcos

I'm glad Cause and Effect made it - a fun mystery ensemble episode whereas the Picard/Data/Worf centric ones have been winning the polls. Too bad Ensign Ro got skipped, as she'll have her own arc and unclear if any of those will win anything: but there she is on the bridge in Cause and Effect!

K, Zachary

If you are going to watch episodes on your own Episode 21 The Perfect Mate has Famke Janssen in it. The Inner Light was really heavy. But I loved Cassie's reaction to it. I had to have a YouTube video explain it to me. Very very interesting. I felt the same way she did. I had to dive deeper.

Fanchman

I'm so glad you added in I-Borg. I didn't think it was going to make the cut.

Seven Coughlin

Inner Light made me cry… again. Just a beautiful story.

David Collins

It will help prepare her for Seven of Nine if she ever watches some Voyager.

David Collins

Inner Light is one of the best executed episodes of any TV show I've ever seen. It's easily one of the most masterful episodes of TNG.

David Collins

Cassie I hope you don't feel like the last two seasons are going to be bad. It's true they're not as good as Season 5, but that is more a statement about how great Season 5 was. Seasons 6 and 7 were still excellent television.

PKHill

The story from the ‘Inner Light’ is based upon an ancient Chinese text (~300 to 400 BCE). It tells of a man who dreamed he was a carefree and happy butterfly. He awoke to realize he was a man, but then thought, what if I’m actually a butterfly, dreaming that I am living the life of a man (?). In the end he concludes, what does it matter? It’s the experiences that shape who we are in the moment. Live the moment.

MikeLL

This season is 5, but she is watching 8!

Ike

How long have you waiting for this one? Since the beginning, I think? It was a good reaction! LOL

M. Callari

Thank you for watching Inner Light. I is one of the best episodes to share with folks that resist SciFi.

FleetAdmiralJ

Looking ahead towards Season 6, I am not looking forward to the poll covering the first half of the season. We have Relics, Schisms, Rascals, Fistful of Datas, Chain of Command, and Ship in a Bottle (not to mention another Q episode) all competing against each other. That is going to be a brutal choice, and I think the four that win that poll are also probably going to win the final poll. The second half of the season also has some good options (I think Tapestry, Starship Mine, and The Chase likely are odds on favorites for that one) but I'm not sure they'll win against the above list from the first half of the season - whatever gets through that one. If I had to bet, I'd say Relics, Rascals, Fistful of Datas, and Chain of Command make it through, which makes it sad because I absolutely want to see her react to Schisms. It is an outstanding episode.

Fanchman

I believe season 6 episodes will be the most difficult to choose from. No risk of a letdown.

Marcos

re Federation "colonization" - yeah the Federation doesn't go to planets where there are there are pre-warp societies at all. (At least in the TNG era). There several episodes about the Prime Directive (no interference in other cultures), such as Who Watches the Watchers, or First Contact that make that pretty clear. The Federation does look for Class M planets without any intelligent life to put humans on though, which is what they were doing at the start of I, Borg.

Tom Furze

Such a beautiful response to Inner Light. That episode is extremely thought provoking and touching. Cassie, glad you are going to look up further information on it.

PianoDean

That's the we've all been waiting for, Cassie....mind blowing....the time WAS real to him. You need to see "The Visitor" from DS9...very powerful.

Joshua s. Jackson

I would recommend you watching all of season 5 for yourself, it is a fantastic season, also there are 4 TNG movies starting with "Generations".

MikeLL

I must admit I thought the idea of watching 4 episodes from all the seasons of this show was pretty nutty! That's 28 episodes. Then I thought, "Well, maybe she will watch Cause and Effect!" And I was hooked!!

David Freese

It’s 8 the first and last episodes of season and 5 episodes from the poll and unification being a two parter makes 8.

George G

GOOD PICKS. i was hoping for "The perfect Mate" and "The First Duty" Good episodes for Cassie to watch on her own.

ArsTropica

The tune that Picard’s son was playing is the same as the main theme for the show Picard.

Walter

no no no, don't believe the nay sayers - there are plenty of great episodes in season 6 and 7. I just wish your journey could continue with DS9 and Voyager.

Stephen Last

This episode did the Groundhog day trope before the movie Groundhogs Day even premiered.

Paul Ark

When you started your Star Trek journey, I've been waiting for you to get to Inner Light. "Thought-provoking, profound, and heartbreaking." You really nailed it on the head.

Mojo One Thousand

Good to know that it seems the recorder is a universal item on schools all over the world. I think, Cassie, you were playing"Three blind mice" when the recorder ("flute") first came out, which is the song we all learned on the recorder. The song that was confused as "Hot cross buns" was "Frère Jacques". All 3 songs have very similar melodies, and I think "Hot cross buns" and "Three blind mice" might be exactly the same. I had to looked up the the "Hot cross buns" to remind myself, but as soon as I saw some of the lyrics I pretty sure it is same as "Three blind mice"... so you in the vicinity there Cassie.

K, Zachary

So I had to go borrow the DVDs from my brother in law and have started from where Cassie left off and I am currently on Season 6. I made a mistake listening to the reaction while going to sleep. I woke feeling like I was in a twilight zone episode. The only thing missing was Rod Sterling in the corner smoking a cigarette.

David Patterson

Imagine if real life was like this. You get a bad medical diagnoses then have to sit through the credits before you can react. Later, you tell your family and immediately go into 5 minutes of commercials.

Chris Retzlaff

I'm not sure who said it's downhill from here, TNG was pretty strong till the end and season 6 is full of banger episodes, similar to 5, I would hate to say 8 episodes might be in order.

Chris Retzlaff

What are we thinking for season 6? Relics Rascals Chain of Command Ship in a Bottle Tapestry Frame of Mind Second Chances Timescape Those are my top 8 Realm of Fear, TrueQ are good Fistful of Data's is a fun episode

Chris Retzlaff

She was and will always be.....my crush on TNG. I think that's why I really liked Kira Nerys in DS9.

David Patterson

Though 'Groundhog Day' is by far the best known version of this trope, it started with a short film called '12:01 PM' starring Kurtwood Smith (Robocop, That 70s Show) which was made in 1990 (2 years before 'Cause and Effect') It's an interesting watch. I recommend it.

Chris Retzlaff

These last three seasons are so hard to limit

Chris Retzlaff

"STOP KIDNAPPING HIM!" was such a great reaction, Picard does get kidnapped alot

D. T. Nelson

Yes. There are great episodes in season 6 & 7. What people mean is, not that seasons 6&7 are bad, but Season 5 was the peak. The last two seasons are still better than the first two. There are some episodes that are unusual and don't feel particularly "Star Trek". You also get the worst TNG episode of all (Sub Rosa) in season 7. Still, there are a lot of good episodes. It will be hard to narrow down season 6 to fewer than a dozen episodes (There are so many great episode this season that have been skipped, too). Don't worry, we'll make sure the episodes you get going forward will be among the best those seasons have to offer.

Fanchman

I just started watching Inner Light, you mentioned that commenters are saying this is the peak. Don't listen to that nonsense. Plenty of great Trek to go.

Frankie Crews

We finally get to my favorite episode from all of Trekdom. Inner Light destroys me in the best way every time I watch it and has been doing so for over 30 years now.

D. T. Nelson

Cassie - Just FYI - There are four TNG movies (Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis). You will, of course, like some more than others, but I believe you will... enjoy... all of them.

D. T. Nelson

You start seeing a fall off in season 6. It is still good, but some episodes aren't as consistently strong as in 5. Season 7 is also still enjoyable, but you get a lot of weirdness creeping in (I think by season 6, and certainly season 7, the best TNG writers & producers had moved over to Deep Space 9). It isn't like TNG dropped down to seaon 1 levels, but quality became more uneven. We'll, naturally, be choosing the best episodes in the polls, so Cassie shouldn't notice a drop in quality. More than half the episodes in season six are in the should or must watch category.

Korny

It’s my favorite episode as well.

Mike Jenson

One of the things I like about Star Trek is that it opens your mind to so many things one would never consider in their everyday lives. Like how many civilizations on other planets that have been lost never to be known to anyone. How many on our own planet have been lost that we don't know about or ever will know about. Are we living in a computer driven reality and how would we know if we are? Soooo many questions, so few answers.

Mark Schamber

Inner Light has always been one of my favorites, if not my favorite episode. It's very thought-provoking, nothing controversial, kinda heartbreaking that an entire civilization is long gone, over a thousand years. But a bit heartwarming in the fact that their entire way of life, who they were, how they lived, lives on in Picard. It will take him time, LOTS of time, to get down & record everything he experienced. (along with tons of sessions with Counselor Troi) Maybe Starfleet can get the probe working again, to have someone else go through the experience. If nothing else, Picard can make holodeck programs based off their planet, people, town, etc. I don't know if this episode won any awards for the writing, but it damn well should have won ALL of them. One of the greatest sci-fi episodes period, from ANY show.

brooke atkins

Where is the live from last night? Can’t find it on YouTube.

K, Zachary

Season 6 Relics Ship In A Bottle Tapestry Timescape Descent Chain Of Command I, II

Fanchman

12:01 is a classic short story. That story has translated into some great movies - my two favorites being Groundhog Day and Edge of Tomorrow.

thehewpew

Just so we're all on the same page for the season 6 poll, everyone's voting for Chain of Command, right? perfect, great, thanks very much :).

Ronin NinetyEight

“Picture of a man, between wake and sleep, immersed in a reaction video to a beloved series. What he doesn’t know is that soon he’ll drift into the unknown expanses where reality and fiction collide. The unscrupulous void of the Twilight Zone…”

Scott Macaulay

Excellent way to spend my Sunday afternoon! Thank you!

Seven Coughlin

And I disagree that it went downhill. I think it maintained a fairly even quality across the board from season 3 on with its fair share of gems

Kelly Oehlschlager

Picard’s son in Inner Light is Patrick Stewart’s real life son, Daniel Stewart.

Popcorn In Bed

oh whoops, we forgot to change it i’ll do it in 5 minutes when i get home

Peter Rising

Seasons 6 and 7 have their fair share of gems. I think season 6 is as strong as 3 - 5. Season 7 is where it falls below standard, but with gems included.

Peter Rising

I love Inner Light as a standalone story, but in the context of Picard's overall story arc - I have real problems accepting it. Same with Hard Time from DS9.

D Jammers

Only if you tell me how many lights you see

FleetAdmiralJ

I'm sad a lot of people are skipping over Schisms. I think a good (and very creepy) episode. But with the competition, I doubt it will have much of a chance, unfortunately.

brooke atkins

Thanks so much Cassie. I had to work and missed it. I love watching the lives they are always so fun. Thanks again👍

TechJJ

The "Suite from the Inner Light" with the flute, along with the theme from ST:First Contact movie, are two of the most beautiful pieces of music I ever had the pleasure of listening to. I highly recommend just relax on sofa or bed and listen with eyes closed, Cassie. Wonderful reactions and happy to see you also get into some deep thoughts!

Mark

3 of the best Trekisodes of all time! Q'apla!

Andrew Roach

I think of The Inner Light as one of the best Trek episodes ever, not just TNG, an emotional powerhouse that had me tearing up multiple times. DS9's The Visitor had the same effect on me.

Scott Macaulay

I'm sure the vote will get it right, but make sure you follow up "Inner Light" with "Lessons" in season 6 for some emotional closure.

Uncle Phoenix

Does anyone know what “New York 40430 N” signifies??? I tried Google. I guess I could try ChatGPT…

Rick Williams

To have lived a full life with a wife and two children and a grandson was great for him. But, then to be pulled out of the life would be hard. It was jarring for Picard to be pulled into that life and lose his life on the Enterprise. And then after living that life for 30+ years to be pulled from it and thrust back into his Enterprise life would be hard to deal with. To him he has been gone for a very long time. I don't know how someone would deal with that. Very thought provoking.

FleetAdmiralJ

I'm not sure where this is coming from but 40 degrees 43 minutes north is more or less the latitude of lower Manhattan. Edit: Oh, I see. It's on her cap. Heh actually found the cap on Amazon. Still guessing that is what it means, though.

T J

it might not be regarded as a top-tier episode, but Cassie should definitely watch "Lessons". I think it will give her lots of what she loves. I personally like the episode too.

Uncle Phoenix

Thank you so much. That was really making my brain itch.

Mark

We see Hugh a few more times! Later down the road, and muuuch later down the road. Just to reassure Cassie: when the Federation colonizes a world, they take soil samples first, to ensure they are not disrupting any microbes or anything else that migt one day evolve into sentient life. Definitely no conquering of civilizations. It's part of the Prime Directive, the Federation's most important rule.

John Drake

You'd only notice the drop off in quality if you were watching season 6&7 in their entirety. Watching the best 4-6 from each season, you're not going to be disappointed. TNG does not go the way of Lost or Game of Thrones. The films are OK but they are action flicks and lack the thought provoking nuance of the show. If you want a star trek show that only gets better, that's Deep Space 9 ....

Alan Kobb

Inner Light is quite an episode, based on a unique and and very unexpected concept. Beautiful writing, and Patrick Stewart's acting is some of his best ever (and that's saying a lot!). Your reaction is kind of like mine from when I first saw this. I also didn't know what to make of it, but after thinking about it, I realized that no other episode stands out as much even 32 years after I first saw it. The climax was one of the most unexpected of any episode, and the romance between Picard and Eline is beautiful. This is one of only 3 episodes from any Star Trek to win the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. In 2006, Christie's Auction house estimated that the flute prop would sell for $300. It went for $48,000. In 2021 the flute sold again for $190,000.

Daniel Turbyfill

A bit of trivia. The actor portraying Kaaman's adult son Batai was Patrick Stewart's real life son.

Daniel Turbyfill

Also the song being played by Batai is reused in the theme for the show Star Trek: Picard. It is implied that Picard continues to play the flute for the rest of his life showing how profoundly he was affected by his experience.

K, Zachary

Tell me about it, from now on I stick to watching it with Cassie, not listening to it. I made a mistake, not one I am going to make again. I watched about 6 episodes on season 6 now on season 7. Very nice twilight zone description.

Cody Nelson

When people say you are in the "peak" of TNG they are referring to the quality of the seasons overall and in that sense they are correct. However, seasons 6 and 7 still have a handful of classic episodes that are some of the best in the series. Trust me, you're still in for some amazing TNG since the good episodes are guaranteed to win the polls.

christopher b swanson

inner light will always be top 3 of series for me...............

K, Zachary

I love the music Captain Picard played from the flute.

Clay F

I thought your analogy "son of a terrorist" was a good one for Hugh. I also thought your observation "It's like another dimension" made sense for Picard's alternate setting in "The Inner Light". That was a cool tie-dye looking shirt that Picard (Kamin) was wearing early in the episode. "Seize the time... Live now. Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again." –Kamin (Picard) in Star Trek: TNG "The Inner Light" (1992). In Cause and Effect, Ensign Ro (a Bajoran named Ro Laren who replaces Wesley) sitting next to Data on the bridge is a new character introduced in S5E03 "Ensign Ro" (6th after the 5th-place I Borg in the S5 final poll). In Cause and Effect, on the bridge each cycle before the explosion, she participates in the repeated exchange, for instance, saying "Captain, maneuvering thrusters are not responding" and later "The helm's not responding." I look forward to your reaction to the Chris Pine ST trilogy. As I have noted before, Leonard Nimoy said: Star Trek (2009) has "great heart with the characters. ... capture[s] the essence of the fun of the Star Trek characters, the chemistry between the people, the excitement of becoming part of that crew and going out on this adventure. ... I was pleased with how they treated the Spock character. I thought that they really got it. ... I was very happy to see Zachary Quinto take over the character. I think he’s an excellent, well-trained actor and excellent for the job."

Robert da Spruce

Beautiful reaction Cassie! I had the same feeling after watching Inner Light. It is beautiful, tragic, poignant, heartbreaking. Everything all in one. A lifetime of memories in 25 minutes. It would so jarring to be back on the Enterprise. Having lived an entire different life. Then have it disappear in an instant. Trying to decide if it was real. What is reality? I think it will take time for Picard to get used to his old life. And no doubt that experience changed him forever. But in the end, I think he’ll be left with fond memories of his wife and family. What’s the saying “tis’ better to have loved and lost…” Oh, and I don’t think it’s all downhill going forward. Season 6 and 7 are also excellent IMO.

D4RK

I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭😢

Stephen Prince

They should've stuck with the original plan to destroy the Borg... The crew's 'feelings' clouding their logic unfortunately. And, that civilization in the 'Inner Light' episode were another level of evil, to design a probe that would enact that torture onto somebody against their will... Especially considering they could've just filled it with all the information/history about their planet/civilization.

SnabbKassa

Sideshow Bob causing trouble 100s of years hence

Ian A

These were so fun. I think in the second episode it wasn't so much about what happened to Hugh, but the fact he was given a choice. The 3rd episode I dont remeber at all. It was fantastic. I love/hate that the planet had resigned itself to not surviving physically but from stories shared through Picard. Very beautiful and sad. Thanks for all the videos.

Clay F

Ensign Ro (the new character sitting next to Data on the bridge) is a Bajoran (a humanoid species native to the planet Bajor), which were a conquered and oppressed people -- she grew up in that, e.g., living in camps. In S5E03 "Ensign Ro" (which introduced Ro), a Starfleet admiral took her out of prison (she had been court-martialed) and assigned her to the Enterprise (over Picard's objection) to help look for Bajoran terrorists. The crew was not fond of her because of her court-martial. Yet, through the episode, Picard grew to respect her and connect with her. And she grew to trust Picard. Riker had tension with her, but had a romantic fling with her when the crew's memory was erased in S5E15 "Conundrum". Ensign Ro was a lead character in S5E24 "The Next Phase" (the episode right before Inner Light). A Patreon member here said that Ensign Ro is "too woke" -- so you know Ensign Ro is good. Michelle Forbes (who played Ensign Ro) is a Saturn Award winner w/3 nominations. Forbes received an Emmy nomination for her performance in the soap opera Guiding Light. --I liked her as girlfriend of David Duchovny character in "Kalifornia" (1993) w/Brad Pit and Juliette Lewis. --I thought she was stunning as the mother of a murdered daughter in "The Killing" (2011-2014) - she received an Emmy nomination for that role. --She has been in several series and a few movies.

Allan Rumberger

The problem is you're considering Picard having an overall story arc. Just don't do that. That's not what Star Trek is about, and it is always at its absolute worst (DS9 excepted) when focusses more on ongoing character arcs instead of self-contained episodes.

Allan Rumberger

Ugh. I really like that episode, but we both know Cassie is going to HATE watching it. Why subject her to it?

TechJJ

Yes, the Inner Light Suite is the orchestra version of what Picard was playing with a flute. Flute is the main instrument.

Allan Rumberger

I am terrified that The Chase might actually win in the polls. It's one of the worst episodes of the series. I'd rather watch a random season 1 episode than that one.

Don Dunco

Just saw on memory alpha's wiki that an unfilmed episode was going to bring back Eline (Picard's wife from Inner Light) through suspended animation. I imagine Picard would've taken a cosmic dump when he figured out who the patient in medbay was. I WISH they Had filmed it, maybe had her join the crew....

Mike Lemon

How in the world would Ro be "woke"? Not only is it 20-ish years before the rise of (or mainstreaming of) the neo-Marxism, but wasn't she the religious one?

FleetAdmiralJ

I think it might win the first poll (because the 3nd half of the season is a bit more sparse) but I'd be...surprised if it beat out the likes of Rascals or Ship in a Bottle

Rod Reavern

I'm grateful that Cassie chose to watch the extra episode -- there are so many great episodes in Seasons 4 and 5! "Cause and Effect" was an intriguing Groundhog Day episode... but you can't help but feel a little shortchanged because they repeated so many scenes with only minor changes and additions. I think "Disaster" was the better episode this season because it featured Picard leading a group of children, Troi stepping up to command during a crisis, and Worf helping O'Brien's wife Keiko through a family milestone. I hope Cassie watches the episode on her own and shares her thoughts with us. "I, Borg" is one of those episodes that demonstrates how exceptionally good the Enterprise crew was, they couldn't bring themselves to use a rescued Borg drone to destroy the Federation's worst enemy. Can you imagine if there were genuinely good and honest people in charge today? It's a shame that the most selfish, ruthless, and duplicitous individuals are always the ones in positions of power in our world. That's why Star Trek has always represented HOPE for the future. I admit that I've often skipped "Inner Light" when I've rewatched TNG but it was worth watching again with Cassie's reaction. It sounds like Cassie will be watching the "Time's Arrow" finale and premiere two-parter... 😔.

Katie Jackson

I'm so glad you loved The Inner Light. It's such a beautiful episode & yes you have that quote on a t-shirt with picard on it. I bought it for you when you had barely started TNG. It's such a poignant quote, probably one of the best in Star Trek. Don't worry about season 6. There's still a lot of great episodes. One is kind of a sequel to this episode. There's another thats called Second Chances which is kind of like a Star Trek Rom Com that I know you'll love (and I hope you'll react to) a lot of competition still in season 6. Looking forward to what's next

Andrew Buel

Please do not let people's criticism of seasons 6 and 7 scare you. People said the same about seasons 1 and 2 and you found some good moments there. The episodes that are left will most likely be more stand-alone with most of the plot important ones already seen. So you won't have to worry about story arcs and can just enjoy episodes that can be interesting and fun and weird on their own. Anyway, thank you for adding I, Borg when you didn't have to, I'm glad you enjoyed these stories, and maybe you will watch them again. Except maybe Cause and Effect. ;) On to the finale/premiere! Engage!

Katie Jackson

WOW! SPOILERS! I talked Cassie into watching a few of these on her own time

ArsTropica

I love this comment. I disagree with it, but I love it.

Jack Tuls

Re: Inner Light…you’ve just witnessed the peak of perhaps all of Star Trek. Hands down one of the best pieces of science fiction to ever be filmed (imo) right up there with 2001 or Star Wars. You’ll be thinking of that episode for the rest of your life.

JD

How would Clay have known that Katie?

JD

Sub Rosa and Masks for the win! She has to watch some of the truly terrible ones to appreciate the great ones! She also needs to watch Wesleys final TNG episode in season 7.

Katie Jackson

In order for that to make any sense she would have to watch the 2 part pilot at least. Even then so many things with the characters wouldn't make sense without more back story. A great episode though. Definitely one of my favorites

Katie Jackson

My favorites for Season 6: Relics A Fistful Of Datas Face Of The Enemy Tapestry Lessons Second Chances Timescape Honorable Mentions: Ship In A Bottle Schisms Rascals Desent Chain Of Command(Great but, not the funnest watch)

Katie Jackson

My favorites for Season 7: Dark Page Attached Parallels The Pegasus Lower Decks Preemptive Strike All Good Things. . .

Miguel

Almost feel bad having you go from The Inner Light, almost universally agreed to be one of the best Trek episodes ever, from any series. To a season finale that if it had been put in the poll for the season, probably wouldnt even make it into the second round/final round poll. lol

WastedPo

"Why do I feel like crying?" ... Because it's the episode often deemed to be the best episode of TNG by its fans, and yes, I still get choked up by the ending. By the way, folks (and Cassie): (a) There is a wonderful performance by a live orchestra playing a full arrangement of the main theme from "The Inner Light" on Youtube: It's at watch?v=H899osSdKiw, but also search "Star Trek:The Inner Light - "sinfonisches blasorchester wehdel" ... (b) And there is a cleaner "official album version" here: watch?v=eujM5uoo-l0 Edit: (c) A THIRD arrangement is here. The Jay Chattaway Suite: watch?v=gsGxmGdyRX8 ... Boy, there are a lot of versions of this piece out there. It's additionally cool that this one episode had such an impact on the fandom and pop culture at large, to even warrant full expanded orchestral arrangement, one that is still being performed so many years later, and it still resonates with people.

JD

The Book "Ship of the Line" is a 100% sequel to this episode (Cause and Effect) but you have to watch through the first TNG movie "Generations" first. It starts right after that episode ends. Its available on Youtube as an audiobook (A good one too, with music, sound effects and multiple voice artists. Great for a road trip)

Clay F

Katie -- thanks for letting me know. My perception was she had given no indication of watching Ensign Ro or Conundrum, and that those two episodes were now in the past. I highly doubted that she would watch any TNG episodes on her own. Her watching Offspring on her own seemed like the sole exception and only after a zillion comments suggested that she watch that episode in particular. So she is not going to react to Ensign Ro or Conundrum, but will watch them on her own. That's great you talked her into it. Helpful for her to have S5 background on the character Ensign Ro. I was not concerned about spoilers for episodes from S1-S5, except for the S5 finale b/c she has yet to react to that episode -- but based on what you say, I will comment no more on the episodes Ensign Ro and Conundrum until after she watches them.

Andrew Buel

That may be worth it just to see the naysayer's heads explode. XD For me, I'd be good if Season 6 was Relics, Chain of Command, Tapestry, and Frame of Mind, and Season 7 was Phantasms, Parallels, Pegasus, and Lower Decks. Plus Descent and All Good Things of course.

JD

In regards to "The Inner Light" you felt weirded out because of Picards age. However the probe is replaying a memory composite of a young man (21ish) to elder status on a dying world. The ultimate instagram story as it were. Also Picard was playing Frère Jacques which is like hot cross buns in the recorder world. Remember: Picard is French. I love this episode because it tells the story of a dead world and also gives Picard a lifetime of memories with a family. Fun Fact: The Guy who plays adult Batai Jr is actually Patrick Stewarts (Picards) son. Those eyebrows don't lie lol. Technically "Lessons" 6x19 is a sequel and a pretty good episode.

Silver Machine

Really enjoying the TNG reactions! Thanks for adding I,Borg. Still many great stories to come!

Clay F

Mike, he said she is "too woke" because "she’s too standoffish, too masculine, reminds me of the girl bosses of today who are only there to preach to an audience and put male characters down. In the context of history, her character hasn’t aged as well as others." By the way, I don't view that as a spoiler because it an inaccurate characterization.

Michael G

So much, and where to start To your question about "peak TNG" It is not that 6 and 7 are bad, it is just that season 5 is generally considered to have the highest number of quality episodes. Season 6 for me, has the next highest amount. It is not about the show going down hill, it is just that Season 5 was really firing. The first flute song that you thought you recognized, is a real song as others have mentioned. It was first heard earlier in the season in "Disaster" To your question about the probe. It was a simulation, yes. The people in it were real. They wanted to preserve something of themselves, with being able to send so little off, the best way to preserve something of who they were, was to let someone live a life as one of them. Items only tell part of a story, to experience a full life is something so much more. 60-80 years in 25 min, it is a lot to process. The episode always destroys me. It is considered to be the best episode of Star Trek. You talked about wanting more Beverly and Picard. There is an episode coming up, however with everything else, i suspect it will not be chosen. Of course the recommendation as always is to when you have time, to watch the entire series. Season 5 really is something special, so if there had to be a "only one season, to watch on your own" it would be 5. Disaster, First Duty, The Game, First Contact, Ensign Ro, Conundrum, Ethics, The Outcast, The Next Phase.

Michael G

One thing about I, Borg. It is one of the great mistakes in all of Star Trek for me. The Borg up to that, were dangerous, mysterious, an unstoppable object and an immovable force. There was a horror element to them. Space is vast and it was one of the only true "space is terrifying" in all of Star Trek. Then I, Borg cam along, and they tried to "humanize" them, made them more mobile, more vocal, trying to turn them into a regular star trek race, that can be communicated with. That undercut everything about them that came before and what made them a great villain. The episode is fine from a production point. My issue is always with the characterization, and why it is one of, along with its follow up the worst of all the TNG episodes for me.

Everderp

I don’t think it did. That episode helped me become more in-sync with my gender identity and my trans experience. It does end on a somber note but something worth thinking about, plus it’s pride month. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

dominantblaze

The Inner Light theme is by Jay Chattaway.

TechJJ

Oops! you are right!

PianoDean

I agree totally....I hope eventually there's time for that kind of investment. I've never met anyone who didn't shed tears watching "The Visitor" (WITH all the back stories and such)

Imzadi

I never liked the episode. It's not a bad episode but I don't think so I ever had the desire to see it again and even skipped it now.

Ben Schwartz

i think i pretty much agree with you... but without i, Borg, i'm not so sure we ever get 7-of-9, one of the greatest Star Trek characters ever.

Ben Schwartz

omg Timescape... one of my favorite TNG episodes. One of those episodes that truly make you go "wtf?!" and i LOVE episodes like that. Classic Trek. Any episodes involving 'time' and its manipulation are usually at the top of my list. i really loved Ship in a Bottle and Schisms, too. Season 5 may have been the high-water mark for TNG, but there are some real gems in seasons 6 and 7.

Ben Schwartz

i completely agree with you, Rakesh. Time's Arrow was fantastic! Worthy of the season finale slot, imo.

Brian McGovern

So do they go into stories about the other borgs? I want to see stories of the others, in particular Cy, Bjorn and Victor. As for Cassies question at the end of I Borg, I think Hugh knows exactly what the Borg will think about not wanting to assimilate.

Zenjuju

At first glance I understand why you feel this way about the episode, and you are correct, spending this much time with a Borg does diminish the 'horror' element of them, because if you can see the monster clearly it isn't scary anymore. However, there is only so long you can keep that up before it starts to feel stale, and I think this episode is a good way of transitioning away from the Borg as a one dimensional enemy without completely ruining them. You say what ruined the Borg was the fact that in this episode they can communicate with it, and they humanize it, but the only reason those things were possible was because it was cut off from the collective, and there is a transition. At first Hugh tries to operate from his brainwashing, but the longer he's separated from the collective the more he begins to think for himself. It reminds us that every Borg was somebody once, and that essence of self was stolen from them in a gross violation we can only try to contemplate, and it solidifies how traumatic an experience that is with Picard's actions. If someone watched every episode of Star Trek The Next Generation, except for this one, and you told them this was the episode where Picard almost initiated a genocide, they would call you a liar and say there's no way that happens. But it does. I admit that this episode destroys some of the monster lurking in the dark horror elements of the Borg, but I also believe what it leaves us with is more honest, and in some ways even more chilling. What must it be like to be assimilated by the Borg, to have your self violently ripped away, to become a passenger in your own existence. In the end Hugh doesn't want to go back, he wants to remember who he is, but he does go back to protect the people he's come to care about. This episode does all of these things, and yet because all of these things can only happen because Hugh is separated from the collective, that part of the Borg is free to remain the juggernaut it always has been. Now, if your going to talk about Descent, that's a crane kick, I've got no defense, but if your going to talk about ruining the Borg, in my opinion, this episode did not do that for me. It changed my perspective on them, sure, but it didn't ruin them. I mean, it's not like they introduced a queen and turned them all into glorified bugs or anything. Sheesh, lets hope that never happens. I hope one day you will decide to revisit this episode, maybe you'll see it in a different light, or perhaps I'm wrong and you won't. Either way, be well and have fun.

Zenjuju

The inner light is a masterpiece, not being able to find the words is an appropriate response. It's like Jodi Foster in Contact when she's confronted with the beautiful wonder of the cosmos, and all she can say is that we should have sent a poet. I feel confident speaking for the group when I say, we're all glad you're enjoying this show so much that you're adding extra episodes, and counting two part episodes as one. It's been a pleasure watching someone discover this show, understand, and enjoy what it is. Thank you for watching. Have fun and be well.

Miguel

My problem with Times Arrow is that it doesnt seem like a Trek episode. It seems more like X-Files with the Enterprise crew in a guest appearance role.

Dean Holt

The Inner Light is an episode I’ve grown to appreciate over time. As the first time I saw it a was about 15 and just thought it was boring lol. But i think it’s now an incredible story and is yet another Patrick Stewart just shows how great of an actor he is. I also personally don’t think the quantity drop over the last couple of series. As there’s about 12 excellent episodes from season 6 and about the same for the last series. So I don’t think you have anything to worry about also you look cute in that cap.

Kyle

It took 17 days, but Professor X and Beast finally avoided that devastating collision.

Korny

He lived a lifetime, had kids and grandkids. And he lost it in an instant.

WastedPo

I didn't realize that "Time's Arrow" was so disliked until these reaction discussions, with many people voicing their negative opinion about it. I personally have always thought those were fun episodes (though perhaps not as good as they could've been), and I bet that Cassie will enjoy them. I actually prefer Time's Arrow to the two-parter that ends Season 6. "Time's Arrow" is benign, while I actively dislike "Descent."

Verteron

One thing I find kind of funny is that we've seen 8 to 10 episodes depending on how you count the two part episodes since he left the show as a main cast member, and she hasn't asked the question "Where's Wesley?"

Ben Schwartz

Yep. Some people just don't like strong outspoken women.

dominantblaze

Besides "The Butterfly Dream", "The Inner Light" also clearly draws some inspiration from the Superman story "For the Man Who Has Everything" by Alan Moore, published in 1985. Instead of an alien probe, it's an alien plant that wraps around Superman, and he ends up in a catatonic state being fed an entire dream life where he is married with children on Krypton. One might notice some similarities to the Superman mythos in Inner Light, with Picard trying to stop the eventual destruction of Kataan, similar to Jor-El trying to stop the destruction of Krypton. "For the Man Who Has Everything" was eventually adapted in animated form in 2004 for the 'Justice League Unlimited' series, and in live action in 2016 for the Supergirl series as the episode "For the Girl Who Has Everything".

Sean Mumford

I think that episodes like I, Borg are truly science fiction at its best. Great science fiction allows us to ask deep and difficult questions: questions about ourselves, the nature of right and wrong, what it means to be human, etc.

Big Lazy Dragon

40 degrees 43 minutes is roughly the latitude of where the World Trade Center stood in New York (it's actually 40 degrees 42 minutes 42 seconds).

james sweeney

But he didn't lose them. They were only in his head and there they will remain.

Big Lazy Dragon

'Inner Light' is not the last time we see an episode like this. There's an episode in Voyager called 'Memorial' that delves into the same type of trope. I hope when Cassie gets around to watching Voyager that that's one of the episodes that makes the cut.

WastedPo

I'd like to suggest in advance that people vote for "Lessons" for Season 6.

Chrissonator

In fact, The Inner Light won the 1993 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. Patrick Stewart's own son played his adult son in this episode. I actually teared up at the first time I watched the episode. Picard realizing he's been given the responsibility to tell others about this long gone civilization.

Chrissonator

The other nice touch is that throughout the episode, the outside lighting gets brigher and brighter as the nova of the star in that system was progressing.

Chrissonator

Yup, for season 6, my picks would be: - Relics - 2-part Chain of Command - Tapestry - 2-part Birthright - Lessons Of course, the finale which again is the first of a 2 parter... So I got 5 picks for season 6, excluding the season finale. There are a few others I'd like to see, but if we're doing the gold standard episodes, those would be it.

Chrissonator

Yea, but CoC is definitely one of those heavy hitting stories.

Chrissonator

Eh, it's one thing to read about something, it's another thing entirely to live it... especially a lifetime of it.

Scott Nelson

The flute theme from inner light was turned into a full orchestral theme that Cassie has to find and listen to.

dominantblaze

It's not that Time's Arrow is disliked, it's decent enough and fun, but if it's competing against some all-time classic episodes from within S5 it's not up to par, and it doesn't have any plot arc relevance either so I would swap it in a heart beat for 2 more episodes from within the season if given the choice. She gave us one more freebie with 'I, Borg' anyway so ultimately we only "lost" 1 episode so it's no big deal.

crazyivan

Has Cassie seen any of the Ferengi episodes?

FleetAdmiralJ

I mean, she saw a Ferengi in Unification, but any of the Ferengi-centric episodes? No, I don't think so.

KJ

I'm thrilled that Inner Light made the cut. it's worthy of her attention and her crush on JLP. Didn't expect her to be as confused about the technicalities of the episode - rather than go with it, enjoy his experience and have the emotional response most of us get with the ending.

Chris Parker

'The Inner Light' hits differently at 40. Its take on climate denial feels eerily current. Picard's words stick: 'Live now; make now always the most precious time.' Really makes you think. That flute scene still gets me. Classic Trek, tackling big ideas without preaching. Love it.

WastedPo

Yeah, that was a little consternating to watch. By that point, most people have already accepted the premise and willing to just let the story affect them.

WastedPo

Yup, in a post above, I posted three YT possibilities. There actually more than that, including some live performances. They're all amazing. It speaks to how much this one episode impacted pop culture that people are STILL doing concert arrangements of the folk theme.

Stephen Dias

Cool! Now, I need to find more of that too.

Stephen Dias

"You can't just go to an intro after a scene like that!" That's pretty much how we all felt when we saw "Cause and Effect" for the first time.

ShazD

I don't think Memorial and the Inner Light have much in common tbf, although it is a very good episode also.

ShazD

Uh she hated the season 1 and 2 episodes and for good reason 😂

ShazD

Until Season 7 when it gets worse...

ShazD

I would imagine that Picard's experiences in the Inner Light seem more like a dream once he has woken up and fade over time.

Stephen Dias

Thank you! I thought he picked up the flute again in a future episode, but couldn't remember which one.

ShazD

She would adore "Rascals" 😂

Andrew Buel

What exactly did she hate? I remember her liking Measure of a Man and Emissary. The Season 1 episodes she was still learning what the characters names were.

Peter Rising

This is what I choose to believe. 👍🏻

Peter Rising

I like a bit of both self contained stories, but I like the character development too.

ShazD

She clearly didn't enjoy the episodes much. Did you not watch the same reaction?

Andrew Buel

Yes, I did. And I don't remember a reaction where she 'hated' an episode. The only thing I could gather she didn't like was the Klingon arc and even then she still enjoyed the Worf and Sela moments. Not giving a standing ovation after an episode is not the same as hating it. But what do you think she hated/didn't enjoy?

John Sullivan

They seriously think "our way is the best way!" - kind of like... Americans? XD

K, Zachary

So have never seen any of the Kelvin films. This 2009 Star Trek is actually really good. I think my girl think this is pretty intense. So I have now finished the last three movies. The Kelvin movies. They were really good. I definitely think Cassie will like them .

thehewpew

Because it proves that Picard is the best captain.

SnabbKassa

I love the idea of sending Hugh back to the Borg to teach them about Hayek's Constitution of Liberty

Billy Higgins

I really want to see Cassie’s technical / lighting setup. Has she ever done a bts video?

John Sullivan

Picard should have quit star fleet and gone on to teach Ressikan studies

David Kent

Inner Light to me is one of the best episodes. When I saw it, I was in my teens, and it made me think what is your life? I think it is the number 1 emotional episode. And I'm sure someone mentioned that the son was played by Patrick Stewart's son. Imagine watching Cause and Effect and everytime the Enterprise is destroyed instead of jumping back in you had to wait for a commercial break. The intro was worse as you had the credits and a commercial to agonize what happened, and no internet to discuss things.

Oscar Ortega

I really hope Tapestry wins the poll

Oscar Ortega

I did not know David Duchovny (Fox Mulder) and Michelle Forbes film Kalifornia. I have to watch it now. There's an X-files episode just like Cause and Effect. I cannot remember what season. It's a good episode.

Bernd Buchsbaum

Hey guys, I watched a full reaction here for the first time and had problems to keep my video in synchronisation with the reaction video. I ended up setting my VLC player to 96% speed. Anyone else experiencing the same?

Mike Lemon

I don't know about TNG specifically, but the sync problem is usually a PAL (European) vs NTSC (North American and Japan) thing. It happens quite a bit.

Bernd Buchsbaum

Ok thank you, that might be the problem.

Korny

The fact that the earth is cooler than the last 100million years doesn’t detour you? Interesting.

McShades

2 year old reply lol, but it's probably the blank space for the commercials that's throwing it off, the blu-ray blank space is shorter than say Amazon's blank space for it's digital copy. So for example the blu-ay blank space lasts 1.5 seconds and Amazon's digital version last 3.5 seconds, so that's going to throw the sync off 2 seconds every time a commercial spot is suppose to happen, so you need to resync the video every time the blank space for the commercial shows up.

ArsTropica

The tune that Picard's (Patrick's) son was playing on a flute became the theme song for the new show: Picard.