Star Trek Episode of the Week: Justice

Image: Star Trek: The Next Generation. Copyright CBS Paramount Studios.

This week’s Star Trek episode is mined from that seemingly bottomless pit of hilarity, season 1 TNG.

Plot: This episode begins with Riker reporting back from an away mission to the newly discovered planet Rubicun III. He describes the planet as beautiful and inhabited by extremely human-like aliens. Dr. Crusher suggests shore leave on the planet for the crew, and Geordi is especially excited about the idea, noting that the inhabitants have a special fondness for others. In other words, Geordi thinks he might have a shot at getting laid. Things quickly fall apart once the crew goes down, however, when Mr. Liability himself, Wesley Crusher, falls into a garden, crushing some plants, and winding up with a death sentence. Picard dicks around with some energy being which is the local god, and eventually beams Wesley up despite the prime directive.

Character Development: In this episode, we learn that Worf is made uncomfortable by the sexual advances of those who cannot handle the harsh reality of Klingon mating rituals.

Forehead of the Week: Aside from being one of my favourite fast food joints, Edo is also the name for the humanoid race which populate Rubicun III. They are a bunch of free-spirited sex-lovers who protect their way of life by dishing out executions with enthusiasm.

Memorable Quote: “They certainly are… fit.” – Riker, describing the Edo, in typical Riker fashion.