Time to get out the popcorn worms and watch this iconic tale from TNG’s ‘Starfleet politics’ department. Some of the special effects have stood the test of time, and the plot and characterisation mostly hold up too. Grant and Rob have been looking forward to Conspiracy as a season one highlight – will they be disappointed for not?

Episode synopsis:  9th May 1988.

Quote:  “Just try that in hyperspace”

Score: 8

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

As time stutters on the Enterprise, Picard recalls a moment from his English-accented youth in Paris (which is definitely not in England). Grant and Rob had their own temporal fault in recording this podcast about an episode that may have a more memorable title than much else. Is that the lady from the Mama’s and Papas? Yes.

Episode synopsis:  2nd May 1988.

Quote:  “I think you would prefer to discuss this in private”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Picard wonders how they’ll ever get Armus out of the carpet

We’re joined by Brooke Simmons to talk about the first episode of TNG that she ever saw: Tasha Yar’s swan song: ‘Skin of Evil’. What kind of creature is Armus? Is this Troi’s finest hour? How bad can a monologue be? Find out on this edition of the podcast!

Episode synopsis:  25th April 1988.

Quote:  “Save your compassion; it’s revolting.”

Score: 6

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Are they dungarees or aprons? Either way everyone will be wearing it next season.

Don’t do drugs, m’kay? That’s the moral of this rather pleasingly straightforward TNG episode. There’s a strong 80s moral, hammered home by Wesley and Tasha – but it doesn’t matter overall. Grant and Rob discuss whether one civilisation could rely on another in this way.

Episode synopsis:  18th April 1988.

Quote:  “Beverly, the Prime Directive is not just a set of rules; it is a philosophy”

Score: 8

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

“Fire at Will!”

The Arsenal of Freedom has a very ‘classic’ Trek feel, and this episode is a great ensemble piece for TNG. There’s more will-they-won’t-they for Picard and Beverly, Geordi is in charge of the Enterprise, and perhaps most worrying of all: Troi actually counsels someone.

Episode synopsis:  11th April 1988.

Quote:  “…elevate the legs and try to keep her warm”

Score: 7

MP3 can be downloaded here. More episode info on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia