Worf’s Barbershop quartet wasn’t off to the best start

We get our first real look at the Next Generation’s Klingons in this episode – and our first look at Worf, really. We also get to see through Geordi’s eyes and experience at 24th Century fog machine at it’s finest.

Episode synopsis:  21st March 1988.

Quote:  “Now I’m beginning to understand him.”

Score: 6

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

As Picard’s crew are grilled by Dexter Remmick, Wesley undertakes the entrance exam for Starfleet Academy. We meet our first Benzite, and get a glimpse at the curious way that the Federation recruits for its military. This episode was recorded in the Mirror Universe, for reasons to be made clear.

“So you’re the finest the galaxy has to offer? Nice jumper. Is that a Glade plugin?”

Episode synopsis:  14th March 1988.

Quote:  “It’s a good thing you’re cute Wesley, or you could really be obnoxious”

Score: 7

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

“Ugly bags of mostly water” is a memorable line from an early TNG episode that hits some great science fiction notes, whilst also giving us a solid ensemble piece for the series. Astronomer and TV presenter Chris Lintott joins us for this podcast.

Picard wonders if he should have had the ceiling heightened in sickbay, instead of soundproofing Wesley.

Episode synopsis:  22nd February 1988.

Quote:  “I’m Luisa Kim, gardener of Eden.”

Score: 7

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

Wesley Crusher anchors an interesting episode that Grant and Rob enjoy – in a very season one sort of way. Can you cloak an entire planet – is kidnapping children a good way of restarting your society? It’s all discussed on this podcast: plus Wesley isn’t terrible.

“Ok, Google… er… Siri?”

Episode synopsis: Wesley Crusher must protect a group of kidnapped Enterprise children while Captain Picard fights for their release. Originally broadcast in the USA on 15th February 1988.

Quote:  “We need some of your children.”

Score:

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia

Like the ageing admiral on his mobility scooter, this episode plods along with little to recommend it. Grant and Rob are less than impressed as they talk about anti-ageing and the awfulness of the young-is-old TV cliche.

The older he got, the more often the Admiral wished he had a dog to blame it on

Episode synopsis: An elderly Starfleet admiral hides a deadly secret as he leads the Enterprise in a hostage rescue mission. Originally broadcast in the USA on 8th February 1988.

Quote:  “I’m strong, I’m alert, I’m fit! I’m fitter than you are, Picard. And I’m getting younger!”

Score: 2

Also found on IMDB, Memory Alpha, and Wikipedia