Thirteen episodes in and so far the series is pretty solid. Yeah it is fairly dated overall but still holds up well. Some of the episodes fall under what Trek does best and that is social commentary. This is one of those. I present to you, originally airing on January 25, 1988, Angel One.
The Episode:
Stardate 41636.9: Angel One
The Enterprise travels to Angel One, a planet run by women, to find survivors of a lost Freighter called The Odin. The planet is one where Women rule with the men being the fairer sex. While there, they discover that things are not at all what they seem on the planet and there could be a greater danger imminent.
Meanwhile a disease begins to sweep through the Enterprise as they prepare for a trip into the Romulan Neutral zone.
The Breakdown:
Angel One is a non-Federation planet that is basically Themyscira for the Star Trek universe. It is, as data puts it, ” governed by a parliamentary body consisted of six elected Mistresses and headed by a female they refer to as The Elected One.”
Upon arriving the Enterprise is basically told off by the leadership and told that they aren’t really wanted there. They agree to the visit, albeit reluctantly.
The Away Team arrives and are clearly not welcome there. The Women of Angel One, have a secret and are reluctant to share. The crew is concerned but unsure of what the issues are. They soon find out that the missing crew of The Odin are wanted felons, led by a man named Ramsey, and the only way the Enterprise can get them back is to hunt them down themselves.
Meanwhile, Wesley and a friend are on the holodeck skiing and accidentally hit Picard in the face with a snowball on the way out. Picard notices a smell but dismisses it only for it to be the beginning of a virus on the ship. One thing I wondered was, how the hell did picard get hit with a holographic snowball? Shouldn’t the snow and even the melted water vanish within seconds of leaving the holodeck? Or was the snow more like the material from a food replicator?
Picard falls ill, probably Wesley’s fault, and is concerned that they will not be able to complete their mission into the Neutral Zone after this rescue. Doctor Crusher puts him under lockdown. Worf starts getting ill as well much to his own dismay.
Beardless Riker gets a meeting with The Elected One and has to wear a skimpy suit, much to Deanna’s and Tasha’s dismay. Apparently he wore feathers once and so this is okay. Deanna and Tasha find it hilarious.
Riker meets up with the Elected One and she immediately hits on him. Although RIker doesn’t have his beard, he is still quite hairy and The Elected One is quite interested in discussing their diplomatic relations. (euphemism intended.)
Geordi finds himself in command of the Enterprise with the Away Team on the planet and Picard incapacitated. They are starting to stress a bit because there is a growing threat on the Neutral Zone and with the crew ill, they may not be able to help.
The Away team soon learn that the threat the crew of the Odin presented was that Ramsey and crew had taken wives and have families of their own which is completely against the way of life on Angel One. They don’t like that Men and Women are acting as equals and want them gone!
Eventually both the Virus and the Colonist issues are resolved and yeah, that’s about it. The Enterprise leaves and on to the next episode.
Is this a ‘Good’ Episode:
It is a really good representation of what was very prevalent in the 80’s when women were still fighting for equal rights. By flipping this issue on it’s head, men could get an interesting perspective of why it is uncomfortable and just plain wrong to have any gender as the dominant one. While we are far from perfect now, we have improved greatly in the past 30 years. Hopefully we will reach a point in our society where we are truly equal in all things and don’t try to just reverse the system like they did here. It is very possible but we still have a way to go.
What makes Star Trek good Trek is when the series isn’t afraid of touching on serious social issues. When it gives a unique perspective or when it pushes the envelope and hammers these issues home. This one of those episodes and while pretty direct, it serves its purpose well.
Not a ton of character development in this one, but a decent story overall.
Gleanings and Cool Bits:
The Romulans are mentioned as gathering around the Neutral Zone but nothing comes of it. I would have thought the next episode would deal with that issue as it was set up well but alas, nothing. Although it could be connected to the final episode of the season but we are getting ahead of ourselves.
Geordi gets a chance at command and even uses Picards classic ‘make it so’.
Data gets a chance to command until the human crew is well.
Beardless Riker once again has a ‘relationship’. Will this man ever learn? (the short answer is no.)
Riker Beard Countdown B minus 13 Episodes until Beard Emergence.
Late To The Game 01/29/18
Thanks for reading the Retro TV Review. I look forward to discussing the rest of the series with you, one episode at a time every Monday, Wednesday and Friday! Next Review: Angel One
If you would like to read more reviews I have a weekly series called Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Wednesday and also a complete review of Star Trek Discovery.
As always, please feel free to comment below and share your experiences with these movies as well. If you just happened by, tell me what you think! Don’t Forget To Follow me if you like the blog!
Special Thanks to Memory Alpha as they are one of the best sources for details on Star Trek information available. Although I have a pretty deep knowledge on the subject, they have proven invaluable as a regular resource.
Star Trek and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other Star Trek franchise, and is a non-commercial fan-made production intended for recreational use. No commercial exhibition or distribution is permitted. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.
Late to the Game Blog 