5.26 — “Time’s Arrow”
Plot: The discovery of Data’s severed head in an archaeological dig dating to Earth’s nineteenth century sends the Enterprise on an investigation to Devidia II. Picard’s interference is insufficient to prevent Data from falling into a time/space portal and being trapped in 1893, presumably heading towards his death. What does it mean when he encounters Guinan?
Thoughts: Here we are at the end of a massive season of stories. The discovery of Data’s ancient head in a cavern is a great concept, and so iconic, I thought it came from one of the TNG movies. Apparently not!I look forward to the resolution of this mystery and a lot of 1897 Picard/Guinan at the start of next season.
Unfortunately, most of the good stuff seems reserved for Part Two. Part One instead is painfully heavy with exposition and technobabble. The saggy pace typical of many TNG’s two-part episodes is somewhat in evidence. Maybe I’m a Luddite, but I found Samuel Clemen’s speeches both overlong and tedious.
Data’s dialogue makes up for it all as he grapples with both the discovery and the strange new ways in which others treat him. The conversation with Geordi is especially inspired. “I can now look forward to death…. One might also conclude that it brings me one step closer to being human.”
The writers waited two whole episodes to reuse the out of phase concept which Ronald D. Moore invented in “The Next Phase,” TNG 5.24. I am vague about what the invisible aliens are doing on Devidia and how the time portal works. Perhaps this will come clear later? Or perhaps the hand-waving will continue.
The beggar character is played with more reality and sensitivity than I would have expected. Good job with that.
I want Guinan to mix me a Tzartak aperatif. It sounds yummy. A good way to celebrate the end of Season Five and TNG episode 126.
4 of 5 engraved gold watches. We did it again!
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